Jared and Dangie back for new season

June 3, 2014

The Blackburn HAWKS are pleased to announce that the coaching team of Jared Owen and Daniel Brittle will return for the 2014/15 season.

The pair have overseen a stark reversal of the club’s fortunes in recent years, taking the Hawks from near relegation in to serious title contenders within the space of five years. They also ended a 23-year wait for the team’s first silverware, with a Playoff Final title win against Billingham during the 2012/13 season.

Last year’s campaign, in which the East Lancashire side came within touching distance of the league title, was the club’s best placing since the 1996 season, equalling Blackburn’s best ever league finish.

Speaking to BlackburnHawks.com, Jared Owen said: “I’m really looking forward to starting the new season, and I speak for myself and Dangie when I say it’s great to be back in a Hawks jersey for another year.

“Last season was one of ‘maybes’ and ‘what-ifs’ and we were obviously gutted to lose the Playoff Final. But overall, as a squad, we made improvements and we’re moving in the right direction. We would of liked to have finished closer to Solway and pushed them harder for the league, but we had a rocky spell in November that really cost us that chance and I’ll be looking to put those mistakes right this season.

“Last year was a good year on the ice and off the ice – seeing the crowds increase at both home and away games and seeing loads more kids coming to games show the forward strides we’re making as a club. I think it’s a real privilege to play at Blackburn in front of the support we have and I’m desperate to deliver that first league title to the fans and organisation.

Brittle was named to the NIHL All-Star team of the year last campaign.

“We’ll be looking to make a few additions and lots of that is going on now in the background to make the team stronger and add some real quality depth.

“I’m glad to have Dangie back between the pipes for another season. His performances were reflected at the end of the campaign, and he was rightly recognised by the league as the number one net-minder. But, I know he doesn’t care about his own personal stats – he’d rather see the team win every game – but he gives us a great chance to do that whenever he plays. You always build a strong team from the back and with Dangie we start in the best possible way.

“He also serves as a great bridge between myself and the players, he polices our team fines system and has a unique view of the game when we’re on the ice so his feedback is important in how we make changes to the way we’re playing.

“We’re both looking forward to coming back for a new season with the Hawks.”